This study aims to reduce some of the knowledge gaps in the global map of cocoa production. While considerable attention has been paid to cocoa in West Africa, the fact that it is
grown in a variety of regions, including South-East Asia, South America and the Caribbean, is often overlooked. Even in the DR, the cocoa sector has received less attention than other agricultural exports.
However, this sector has undergone considerable changes in the last 20 years, most notably in the area of quality. It is continuing to evolve and secure its position in the global cocoa market
and is clearly deserving of greater attention. Most of the literature on Dominican cocoa relates to specific aspects of production and commercialization. The present study offers a broader perspective, by including a detailed
discussion of technical production issues (such as shade management and pruning) and social issues relating to different types of labour, community needs, youth, producer and worker incomes.